Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
slightly only one
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "slightly only one" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a minimal quantity or degree, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "There is slightly only one option available for this task."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
In the first sensitivity analysis excluding untreated patients, although all hazard ratios increased slightly, only one result, for low dose SSRI, went from borderline significance to statistical significance (HR from 1.80 to 1.88, with P moving from 0.011 to 0.006) (Additional file 1: Table S5).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
In this note, we would like to slightly modify only one of the used conditions to achieveour claim.
When slightly adapting only one O(1) parameter for the EEM strategy (the effective turbulent forcing amplitude felt by the flame), DNS, EEM and EXP show quite fair agreement one another, except for one of the experiments at early times.
Science
If one goes back to the initial state and slightly perturbs only one coordinate of a single particle, the perturbed N-body problem will also have a definite and unique but different solution than the original one.
Unfortunately, the new drugs approved by the FDA did not soar in recent years and even declined slightly, and even only one de novo combinatorial compound was approved in the last 25 years before 2007 [5].
Science
Nevertheless, the promoter function was slightly increased in only one of the tested European long control region variants.
Science
The surface of the cartilage of the transplants was slightly uneven and only one transplant was surrounded by dull host cartilage.
The mood is decidedly casual, with only one slightly high-end restaurant, the Roasted Clove (serving dishes like braised wild boar with chiles rellenos, for $30.95).
News & Media
It's slightly irritating that the only one of my 29 red lipsticks to hit the red-orange sweet spot had to be the £36 (thirty sixx! quid!) Tom Ford.
News & Media
Their comparison result showed that the hybrid model performed slightly better than using only one model.
To evaluate the effect of surface preparation, the three procedures for surface preparation employed were: (a) none, (b) stone wheel grinding to a smooth finish, and (c) wire wheel abrading to slightly expose aggregate, while only one adhesive was used and the concrete mix was kept constant.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "slightly only one" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "just one" or "merely one" to convey your intended meaning effectively.
Common error
The combination of "slightly" and "only one" can create an awkward construction. Rephrase to use more direct language such as "just one" or "a single" to improve clarity and flow.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "slightly only one" functions as a modifier, attempting to quantify a noun. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English. Its intended purpose is to express a minimal quantity, but the construction is awkward and unclear.
Frequent in
Science
30%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
10%
Wiki
10%
Reference
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "slightly only one" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase lacks clarity, and more precise alternatives such as "just one", "a single", or "merely one" should be used instead to effectively convey the intended meaning. Its infrequency and awkwardness negatively impact its usefulness, and writers should strive for clearer and more grammatically sound expressions.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
just a single
Replaces "slightly only one" with a clearer and more concise expression indicating a minimal quantity.
merely one
Substitutes "slightly only one" with an emphasis on the insignificance of the quantity.
simply one
Offers a straightforward alternative to "slightly only one", highlighting the singularity without implying complexity.
just one
A more common and grammatically sound replacement for "slightly only one", indicating a solitary item.
barely one
Emphasizes that the quantity is at the lowest possible limit, differing from "slightly only one" by adding a sense of scarcity.
hardly one
Similar to "barely one", this phrase replaces "slightly only one" to suggest that existence of even a single instance is surprising.
scarcely one
Indicates a very small number, close to none, instead of the awkward "slightly only one".
virtually one
Expresses that the number is so close to zero that it can be considered as almost nonexistent, a stronger sense than "slightly only one".
practically one
Conveys the idea that for all practical purposes, there is only a single instance, replacing the unclear "slightly only one".
essentially one
Implies that while there may be others, they are negligible, offering a more nuanced meaning than "slightly only one".
FAQs
What does "slightly only one" mean?
The phrase "slightly only one" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. It's generally intended to indicate that there is just one of something, or a minimal amount. Consider using "just one" or "only a little" instead.
Is it correct to use "slightly only one" in a sentence?
No, "slightly only one" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is better to use phrases like "just one", "merely one", or "simply one" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "slightly only one" or "just one"?
"Just one" is the correct and more common way to express that there is a single item or instance, whereas "slightly only one" is grammatically awkward and not recommended. Use "just one" for clarity.
What can I say instead of "slightly only one"?
You can use alternatives like "just one", "a single", or "merely one" to better convey the idea of a single or minimal quantity.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested